SAMHAIN - October 31, on this sacred evening the veils between the living and dead are at there thinnest. Samhain is the time for communion with our friends and relatives who have passed on, to embrace survival after death.

It’s a very special, unique time, of the year when the border between the material and immaterial worlds becomes as fine as a veil, allowing men and women to enter into contact with the Higher Spiritual Forces, and benefit from their protection.

October 31 is known as the Witches' New Year. We project correctness, health, and love for the coming year. At this time, the world of the living and that of the spirit are closest to each other. We honour the ancestors and invite them to join in our celebration. Witches do divination for guidance. Witches also choose this time to release the "old" in order to allow for the "new.” We move from here toward a time of inner growth and introspection as we approach the coming winter months.

Samhain, witches all around the planet will invoke Spirits to perform spells and incantations with the paring of apples. I suggest what ever ritual you chose to perform, keep the words simple and repetitive.

On the Esbats, the full moon rites and the Sabbats, the change in seasons, witches within sacred space with ancestors, relatives by blood or by marriage, who have passed over come hither to protect and guide. Knowledge is given, no one is ever alone, and that assistance will always be there.

Eve of Samhain

With an open heart and mind in the midnight hour when the moon is full, commune with Spirit. Request a biological ancestor to appear with a message of hope. Don't become distracted by frustration. Believe. Breathe comfortably, relax, and try not to think about anything.

Light a tall white pillar candle. Draw in a deep breath of air, exhale and then focused on the tall dancing flame.

"Here my call, this I pray. Ancestor who resides in the Other World, the Spirit who is close, I request you come hither, please share your knowledge. You, who know all, open my mind, remove the veil of illusion, and appear before me with words of wisdom."

Once spiritually fed, hopefully you will have faith in your abilities.

In earth time, people have a way of deteriorating unless one strives to improve. Spirits deteriorate and improve in a timeless, space less realm.

Spirits of our ancestors are our guides and supporters. When one chooses to commune with those who dwell in the Other World, information is given to help live life with an open heart, and mind.

The Eve of Samhain will set the stage to meet with your personal Spirit guide. You must independently explore your faith to find confidence, conquer fear, to become more secure with self.

If you wish to continue with the faith, you must decide for yourself. "I know myself, I am my thoughts, I am the actions I perform. I live in joy. I acknowledge the beauty within and marvel in the beauty that surrounds. I come to you, Spirit Guide, of my own free will. My heart is open, my head is clear, my feet are planted. Spirit, on this most magical night I pledge myself to the ways of the craft - To harm none, nor self, intentionally. I kneel before you, come hither and guide. I pray for guidance...I pray for guidance..."

Passing into Summer Land

THE GREATEST MYSTERY OF LIFE IS DEATH.THE GREATEST FEAR OF LIFE IS DEATH.THE GREATEST SORROW IN LIFE IS DEATH.THE GREATEST PROBE IN LIFE IS FOR DEATH.

Death is indeed natural. To bring comfort to your fear of your final departure look upon it as an adventure; supposing there is something there; if not, then you'll feel nothing, it'll just be a long dreamless sleep. Some people say death is the only thing we can be sure of attaining on our own. It's a very personal thing death. Some are afraid of dying alone, because when they come to think about it they can't die any other way - you go out on your own or do you?

Witches, for the most part, believe that we are much more than the physical body. We are spiritually immortal by design - an immortal energy. It is the basic fabric of who we are. The universe is infinite. And because we are part of the universe, and embody the universe within, we, too, are infinite. Witches believe that the spirit continues with the rest of the infinite universe. We may change and become something quite different in form, but we continue.

Wiccans and Pagans have an animal companion that they consider their familiar. A familiar is part of the family. A familiar is often defined as an animal with whom we have a magical connection. If an animal has appeared in your life unexpectedly -- such as a stray cat that appears regularly, for instance -- it's possible that the animal may have been drawn to you magickally!